‘The earl received him, I suppose.’
‘He did, and he sent me to warn you.’
‘Thank you. I suppose I shall have to see him.’ Flora tapped her forefinger against her teeth. ‘You will think me unhinged, but I am convinced that someone has been watching me whenever I go into the village with her ladyship. I caught a glimpse of a young man who I thought I recognised from Salisbury.’
Mr Dalton flexed his brows. ‘You father is having you followed?’
‘Possibly. I wouldn’t put anything past him. And on the last occasion we were there, the countess was accosted by the vicar’s wife.’
Mr Dalton failed to smother a smile. ‘Oh dear!’
‘This isn’t amusing.’ But Flora herself smiled. ‘Her ladyship told the woman in a voice loud enough to carry the length of the street that God didn’t exist, and even if he did he would receive no welcome in this household.’
‘I can well imagine. The countess is known for her forthright opinions upon the subject of religion.’
‘Quite. I can persuade her to do most things, but she has steadfastly refused to accompany me to church on a Sunday.’ Flora paused. ‘I suppose one cannot altogether blame her. Her husband died young, then her only child was taken from her. It would be enough to test anyone’s faith, and if that faith was weak in the first place…’
Mr Dalton sent her a sympathetic smile. ‘What shall you do?’
‘Come down and confront him, I suppose, if her ladyship can spare me.’ The both glanced at the countess, whose head had fallen to one side, knocking the turban askew. She appeared to be asleep. ‘But unless the earl insists upon my leaving here, I shall not be going anywhere,’ Flora added with more confidence in her ability to get the better of her father than she actually felt. She had spent her life defying him in petty ways, but his will always prevailed in the long term.
Chapter Two
‘Damn!’ Luke drummed his fingers on the surface of his desk. ‘This is the last thing I need, today of all days.’ He sighed. ‘You had best go and warn Miss Latimer, I suppose, Paul.’
His friend nodded and left the room. ‘All right, Woodley,’ Luke said to his butler, sighing for a second time. ‘You’d best show my visitor in.’
Luke Beranger felt no pressing need to entertain officious clergymen. If Latimer had come to visit his daughter, Luke didn’t need to give him permission, or become involved with what he knew would not be an especially fond reunion. But he had travelled all this way and specifically asked to see Luke. Annoyingly, Luke couldn’t bring himself to offend a man in his position, and feared that if he did then he would take out his spite on Flora.
She had been of considerable help to Luke personally, as well as the rest of his family. She fitted in so well that it sometimes seemed as if she had been with them forever, instead of just a few weeks. Beranger Court ran far more smoothly with her in occupation of it, and more importantly his grandmother actually seemed to like her. Flora managed to keep her entertained and tempered the worst of her excesses. Grandmamma had frightened all her previous companions away. Luke wasn’t about to let this one go without a fight.
‘The Reverend Canon Latimer,’ Woodley intoned from the open doorway.
Luke stood up behind his desk, withholding a groan when he appraised the dour individual who approached him. Tall and thin, dressed entirely in black but for his white clerical collar, the man possessed a long nose, down which he attempted to peer at Luke. He was unsuccessful since Luke was equally tall and could look the man in the eye. Latimer’s mouth twisted into the parody of a smile that appeared to cause him discomfort.
‘Thank you for receiving me, Lord Swindon.’
‘Welcome to Beranger Court.’ Luke didn’t offer his hand. ‘I trust you had a comfortable journey.’
‘Tolerable.’
Clearly a man not given to small talk, Luke kept him standing and responded in like fashion. ‘To what do I owe the pleasure?’
‘I have come to visit my daughter and intend taking her home with me. I don’t suppose you are acquainted with her. You must have a large number of servants in a household of this size.’
‘If you think it none of my concern, I cannot help wondering why you asked to see me.’ Luke kept his tone polite, mindful of the man’s elevated position within the clergy. Luke had respect for that position, if not for the pompous man himself, to whom he had taken an instant dislike. Flora had told him a little about the joyless nature of her upbringing and could quite see why she had wanted to escape from such a restrictive background. One cannot cage a free spirit.
Latimer inhaled sharply at the implied criticism. ‘This is your house. My daughter is playing at being your lady mother’s companion. A position for which she is entirely unsuited. I am paying you the courtesy of appraising you of my intentions, thereby offering you an early opportunity to find a replacement for her.’
The man’s arrogance knew no bounds, and Luke struggled to keep a hold on his temper. ‘Is Miss Latimer aware that you wish to terminate her engagement in my employ? She has not mentioned the matter to me.’
Luke had still not invited the clergyman to sit, but that didn’t prevent his visitor from trying to dominate the conversation. Latimer grasped his lapels and pulled himself up to his full height, giving the appearance of calm authority. It was clear that he was unaccustomed to having his intentions questioned, but as he had rightly pointed out, this was Luke’s house and even a man of the cloth would not tell him how to conduct himself within its walls.
‘I will inform my daughter of my intentions, if you will have the goodness to summon her. Is there somewhere we can talk in private, Flora and I? I cannot persuade myself that you have either the time or inclination to involve yourselves in our affairs. A man with your responsibilities must have far more pressing demands upon his time.’
Luke didn’t have the slightest intention of leaving Flora alone with the overbearing man unless she specifically asked him to. She had rescued Luke from a delicate situation when she had only been in his house for a week. It was time for Luke to repay the favour in some small way. Unless, of course, she had indicated to her father in a letter that she regretted taking up her position here. It was so very different to her accustomed routine that he couldn’t afford to ignore that possibility. Luke was disturbed by the degree of disappointment that filtered through his mind. A disappointment that only partly took his grandmother’s feelings into consideration—the reasons for which he chose not to examine too closely.
Before he could formulate a suitable response, the door opened and Paul stood back to allow Flora to walk through it.
‘Papa,’ she said, dipping a minuscule curtsey. Luke watched father and daughter’s indifferent greeting dispassionately. ‘This is a surprise.’ She did not add that it was a pleasant one and turned instead towards Luke. ‘Good afternoon, my lord. I apologise for the intrusion.’
‘No apology necessary, Miss Latimer.’ He took her arm. ‘Will you have a seat?’
Her father looked disturbed when the master of the house took it upon himself to have a servant sit in his presence.
Flora smiled at him and shook her head. ‘Thank you, my lord, but I am sure we shall not inconvenience you for long, so I see no reason to sit.’
‘What are you wearing, Flora?’
Latimer looked outraged when he observed the pretty yellow day gown that perfectly suited Flora’s sunny personality. A gown which Luke knew his grandmother had ordered for her, since he had recently settled the modiste’s account. Not that he intended to tell Flora that. She had been embarrassed by the countess’s determination to clothe her and insisted upon the cost being deducted from her salary. Luke had pretended to agree to her demands, but didn’t have the slightest intention of docking her stipend.
Grandmamma had been right. In fashionable attire Flora was far easier on the eye and he enjoyed seeing her in colourful muslins and silks. They were a vast improvement upon the shapeless, dowdy garments
she had brought with her. He hoped they had been donated to the poor because he would have something to say on the matter if she ever wore them in this house again.
‘It’s a day gown, Papa. A gift from the dowager countess.’ She twirled, a mischievous light in her eye. ‘I hope you approve.’
He cleared his throat, glanced at Luke and Paul, and refrained from saying what was on his mind. ‘Some disturbing news has reached my ears,’ he said instead.
‘I hope everyone at home is well, Papa.’
‘Perfectly. There is never illness in our household, as well you know.’
‘Then to what do I owe the honour of this visit?’
‘Since his lordship has chosen not to excuse himself, I must speak plain and hope not to give offence.’
‘Please do,’ Luke replied, winking at Flora behind her father’s back.
‘It pains me to say this, but I hear tell that the dowager countess is not a god-fearing woman. That being the case, I cannot permit a child of mine to be tainted by her lack of piety.’
Flora affected shock. Luke turned away, aware that he should spring to his grandmother’s defence. Instead, he was compelled to stifle a smile. Everyone beneath this roof was well aware of the countess’s views upon religion. But how they had reached Latimer’s ears was less easily explained.
‘You astonish me, Papa.’ Luke turned back in time to notice Flora cross her fingers behind her back. ‘I cannot help wondering what caused you to draw such a conclusion, much less voice it in front of Lord Swindon.’
‘It would be better if we said no more. I don’t wish to give offence. I have already told his lordship that you will be leaving his employ. Pack whatever you cannot do without immediately and the rest of your things can be sent on. I have a cab waiting to take us back to the station.’
‘Let me see if I have this straight, sir.’ Flora frowned. ‘Unsubstantiated rumours have reached your ears regarding my employer’s Christian morals. And so, without seeking clarification, you expect me to give up my position, which will create difficulties for a family that has shown me nothing but kindness. On such flimsy evidence, you demand my return to Salisbury.’
Luke wanted to applaud. Latimer was formidable and although it was clear to him that Flora neither liked nor respected him, he was still her father and therefore had a right to expect her obedience.
‘You always were a stubborn child.’ Latimer let out a long sigh. ‘Very well then. You leave me with no choice but to speak plain. I hear tell from Ingram, the vicar in Ashton Keynes, that her ladyship screamed at his wife in the middle of the street like a hoyden, disclaiming the existence of Christ our saviour. And, what’s more, I am told that you were there and witnessed the scene for yourself, so don’t pretend you are unaware.’ The priggish man tightened the hold on his lapels. ‘I cannot have a daughter of mine infected by such ungodly behaviour. I have a reputation to protect.’
Which, Luke knew, was the real reason for his visit. ‘I would advise against spreading unsubstantiated rumours against a member of my family,’ he said in a mild tone.
‘I trust you have come to your senses by now, Flora,’ Latimer said, unwisely ignoring Luke’s warning, ‘and that you realise where your duty lies. Fortunately, Bolton has a forgiving nature, as any true man of God ought. He is willing to overlook your defiance and still marry you.’ Latimer paused. ‘There, what do you say to that?’
Flora looked repulsed, as though she had something to say that she would prefer Luke not to hear. Perhaps he should have trusted her instincts and allowed her to see him in private. It was too late now. If he left the room she might think that he was no longer her ally. He couldn’t take that chance.
The door opened again and this time Luke couldn’t contain a groan when his grandmother sailed through it. Of all the unfortunate timing! Then he did a double-take. His habitually flamboyant relative had garbed herself in subdued colours. And was that a bible she clutched in her folded hands? He exchanged a bewildered look with Flora who gave a minuscule shrug, implying that she too was in the dark. What in the name of Hades was Grandmamma up to this time?
‘Ah, there you are, child,’ Grandmamma said, waving a gnarled hand at Flora. ‘I have been looking for you all over. I need your help at once. There is a passage in the gospel of St. Paul that I do not fully understand.’ She peered myopically up at Latimer. ‘Do I know you, sir?’ she asked.
*
Flora fell into a chair, wiping tears from her eyes once her father had left in a towering rage. The countess had made a derogatory comment as soon as Papa left the room and then returned to her own quarters, muttering about sanctimonious nincompoops. Mr Dalton had also left them.
‘How the devil did Grandmamma know?’
‘I keep telling you, she isn’t nearly as senile as she would have you all believe. She pretended to be asleep when Mr Dalton came to fetch me, but I’m fairly sure she listened to every word.’
‘And drew the right conclusions.’ Luke sat across from her and laughed, too. ‘Did she really shout at Ingram’s wife?’
Flora offered up a wry smile. ‘She did, but I blame Mrs Ingram for it. She’s well aware of her ladyship’s opinions regarding God’s forgiveness—or lack thereof—and her reasons for those opinions. Did she really imagine that she would undergo some sort of epiphany, or more to the point, hold her tongue, just because they were in a public place?’
‘Possibly. In my experience, those related to the clergy seem to think they have a…well, God-given right to speak their minds and interfere in people’s lives.’ A smile softened his handsome features. ‘Present company accepted, naturally.’
‘Oh, naturally.’
‘How did your father hear of Grandmamma’s outspokenness?’
‘Papa expected me not to last here for more than a week. When I didn’t go home, I suspect he sent someone down here to spy on my activities. I thought I saw a man I recognised once or twice in the village, including the day upon which your grandmother put Mrs Ingram in her place.’
Luke scowled. ‘I don’t like to think of you being followed.’
‘Don’t worry. Thanks to her ladyship, Papa will cut his losses now.’ She paused. ‘Probably. Unless you conclude that I am more trouble than I’m worth and decide not to make my position permanent, there is nothing he can do to force my return to Salisbury.’
His scowl intensified. ‘I thought your position was permanent. No matter, consider your trial period to be at an end. You are now official confidante and friend to my grandmother and sisters.’
And you? She let out a long breath. ‘Thank you. That is a great relief.’
‘I will have someone scour the village for signs of the man spying on you and have him sent packing.’
‘There’s no need.’
‘I disagree. There’s every need.’
She demurred with good grace. ‘Thank you, but I dare say he is already gone. Papa wouldn’t pay him to linger here indefinitely. He won’t consider me worth the expense.’
He pushed a thick lock of brown hair away from his eyes and smiled at her. ‘Then he’s an even bigger fool than I took him for.’
Flummoxed by the compliment, Flora could think of no reason to prolong this intimate moment. She liked him a little too well, especially when he smiled at her as though she was the most fascinating creature in the universe, making her insides turn to mush. Flora was pragmatic and the ideas that kept working their way into her brain were no more realistic than those entertained by the heroine in the book she had just abandoned as being too far-fetched.
‘Thank you for not leaving me alone with Papa,’ she said, standing. ‘He couldn’t throw all the accusations he’d probably been storing up at me in front of an audience. He will most likely not be back, and I cannot pretend to be sorry about that.’ She let out a soft sigh. ‘But now, if you will excuse me, I had best return to her ladyship and let her enjoy reliving her moment of triumph over Papa. Goodness alone knows, she has earned the right.’
Luke stood too, and looked to be on the point of saying something in response. Before he could do so, the door burst open and Luke’s brother Charlie, the one closest in age to Luke, bounded into the room, displaying the lithe grace that came naturally to all four brothers.
‘Flora, how do you do.’ He flashed an infectious smile. ‘I say, Luke, Miss Defoe and her entourage are back. I saw their carriage unloading as I passed Ashton Lodge. Emma will be relieved. I stopped to tip my hat to them, but didn’t dismount. Not sure how you feel about them.’
‘My brother has a soft spot for Miranda Defoe,’ Luke said, smiling at Flora.
‘Hardly that.’ Charlie shrugged his wide shoulders good-naturedly. ‘Emma wasn’t always so ladylike. In fact she was a tomboy in her younger days, as was Miranda. I rescued the pair of them from more scrapes than I care to recall.’
‘And why should girls not get into mischief?’ Flora demanded to know. ‘They are as adventurous as boys and have as much right to run wild, even if they don’t share the male disposition for getting into fights.’
‘I can’t imagine you climbing trees and damming streams,’ Luke said, amused.
‘I wouldn’t have dared, but that doesn’t mean that the desire was never there,’ Flora responded. ‘Anyway, Miss Defoe is to be one of Emma’s bridesmaids, so I doubt you will be required to do any more rescuing, Charlie.’ Flora grinned. ‘Weddings, in case you were not aware, require a great deal of planning, but to the best of my knowledge they are not dangerous affairs.’
‘Unless you’re the poor soul forced to take the plunge,’ Charlie said, shuddering.
‘Did you meet the step-father?’ Luke asked.
‘Briefly. An odd fish. I’d say he’s a good ten years or more younger than Miranda’s step-mother. He has two younger brothers clinging to his coattails, too.’
‘The whole family must still be with Miranda, then. Not that we mixed with them before they left,’ Luke told Flora. ‘Mrs Defoe’s hasty remarriage raised more than a few eyebrows. Presumably the men have independent means, if they have spent the last two years travelling with their brother and his new family instead of attending to their careers.’
A Sense of Purpose Page 2
